Sports injuries often increase during the summer -- people are less active in the winter (losing strength and flexibility) and many try to do too much too soon as the weather warms. We’ve had an unusually wet and cold winter and spring, so now is a good time to review tips to help prevent physical injuries and avoid common mistakes. Approximately 8.6 million sports and recreation-related injuries occur in the United States annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Laika Nur of Scripps Clinic treats pediatric and adult patients, ranging from beginners, to weekend warriors, to elite athletes: Injury Prevention Tips: Progress gradually into your activity (to avoid injuries and maintain enthusiasm) Include the 4 key fitness disciplines – cardio, strengthening, stretching, agility – to provide a well-balanced foundation for fitness Understand impact on joints – sports like tennis and running are high-impact, while biking and swimming are low-impact (choose what’s best for your situation) Fitness Myths to Avoid: Specializing in a single activity year-round (this can lead to overuse injuries and may not allow ample muscle recovery time) Playing though the pain (this only causes more harm). With severe pain, swelling, numbness – see your doctor. If less severe, try RICE (rest, ice, compression elevation) Extreme workout trends – avoid jumping into the latest popular workout programs (either online or in person); watch it first to see if it’s right for you; and discuss with your doctor Recovering emotionally (not just physically): Recovering from a sports injury can involve an emotional process (like grieving) Track your recovery (keep a journal, so you can see progress) Seek like-minded people (such as facebook groups) Try new activities that are allowable (such as swimming, biking) Activities Linked to Injuries -- & Current trends in the clinic: Based on the number of ER visits nationally, the team sports with the most injuries are basketball, football and soccer – but exercise equipment and bicycles rank even higher Locally, Dr. Nur says she is now seeing an increase in soccer-related injuries (knees); tennis and pickleball (elbows); and running (lower extremity) National sports medicine conference in May: In early May, Dr. Nur attended the annual conference of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine – she can share the latest insights from this event with your viewers.